Huge turnout for Catalan independence rally (BBC)
Some 1.5 million people have been taking part in Catalonia's annual independence rally in Barcelona, according to police.
Tens of thousands of people poured into the city waving the region's independence flag and brandishing the colours red and yellow.
This year's march aimed to be the biggest ever - and a protest against the Spanish government's tax laws.
Catalonia wants Madrid to review its tax agreement and provide a bailout.
The size of the turnout for the rally, which is held annually on 11 September to mark the Siege of Barcelona 300 years ago, forced organisers to change its route.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19564640
I have a certain amount of sympathy for 'stateless nations' -- particularly for people whose traditional language is supressed or even outlawed -- but I am starting to see darker consequences to these developments as well. If fiscal austerity helps lead to the breakup of larger countries, doesn't that shift the balance of power in favor of banks vs nations ? Doesn't Balkanization fit rather nicely into the plans of international financiers ? Que bono ?